Written Answers Nos. 120-139
120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she plans to identify and address and-or restore heritage houses, castles or sites nationally over the next five years thereby maximising their potential in the promotion of Irish culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17683/20]
View answer121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has carried out an inventory of at-risk ancient and heritage sites, buildings or locations nationally with a view to initiating a programme for their improvement, restoration and safekeeping; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17684/20]
View answer122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of heritage sites and houses throughout County Kildare in public ownership; the extent to which an ongoing programme exists to ensure their retention and safety in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17685/20]
View answer123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and location of sites, buildings or ruins of a historical or heritage nature throughout County Kildare which are not part of a protection or restoration programme; her plans to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17686/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 123, inclusive, together.
My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk. Responsibility for management and maintenance of historical buildings and sites in State ownership, and management of the visitor facilities, rests with the Office of Public Works (OPW) which also maintains a significant ongoing programme of conservation works.
Local authorities are responsible under the Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians. Any works to national monument, either managed by the OPW or those in the care of a local authority, require my consent under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 as amended.
Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, my Department has established and maintains the Record of Monuments and Places, which affords legal protection to over 120,000 other recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State. Anyone proposing works in relation to a monument that is included in the Record of Monuments and Places must give my Department two months prior notice before works can start. The Department’s National Monuments Service also continuously updates an inventory of archaeological monuments in the State to ensure protection of all newly-discovered archaeological sites. Furthermore, investigations are carried out where the Department receives a report of a threat or damage to a monument. The maintenance of privately owned sites listed on the Record of Monuments and Places is the responsibility of the relevant owner.
The Record of Monuments and Places, including details of entries for County Kildare, may be found on my Department’s National Monuments Service website – www.archaeology.ie. Further details of sites managed by the Office of Public Works may be found on its Heritage Ireland website - www.heritageireland.ie. This year, my Department has allocated €350,000 to the OPW for the maintenance of historic buildings and sites. The maintenance of sites listed on the Record of Monuments and Places is the responsibility of the relevant owner.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility however, to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH).
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development of the film industry with reference to the need for its promotion for economic and cultural purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17688/20]
View answerIn June 2018, the Audiovisual Action Plan was launched. This is an industry-wide, long-term plan, under the Creative Ireland Programme, developed to support the Government’s ambition to enable Ireland to become a global hub for the production of film, TV drama and animation.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a five year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. The Audiovisual Action Plan is designed to deliver on the commitment in Pillar 4 to create an industry-wide plan to make Ireland a leader in the audiovisual sector and is intended to drive both increased investment and production across the sector by implementing policy recommendations in 8 key areas. Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a high level Steering Group comprising representatives from a cross section of Government Departments and state agencies.
The cultural, creative and economic potential of Ireland’s audiovisual industry is significant and Government policy has long supported the sector through inter alia the section 481 tax relief, international film co-production treaties and through funding provided to Screen Ireland, which is the development agency for the Irish film industry.
As part of Project Ireland 2040, this Department published ‘Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027’, in 2018 which sets out a commitment of close to €1.2 billion in capital funding for culture and creativity over ten-year period. €200 million of this has been allocated for investment in media production and the audiovisual industry within same the period. This funding, is being delivered through Screen Ireland whose statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland. Screen Ireland supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. Screen Ireland has a vision for a vibrant, creative and sustainable Irish film, television and animation industry, with diverse voices, talent and opportunities which speaks to and connects Irish film culture with audiences at home and abroad. For 2020, Screen Ireland was allocated an additional €1 million to build on its vital work in supporting Irish film, television drama, documentary and animation. This increases its annual overall budget to €21 million. In light of the COVID19 crisis, in addition to its normal production and development rounds, Screen Ireland has already allocated €4.5 million in COVID19 support measures for the Irish film and TV industry. Importantly, the measures are directed to the sustainability of the industry with a strong focus on development support. This is intended to ensure companies are well positioned for launch as production recommences. My Department will continue to engage across Government Departments and State Agencies on implementing the Audiovisual Action Plan.
The Government has also committed to bringing forward a National Economic Plan, to be published alongside the Budget in October, which will outline the Government’s plans to support the long-term sustainability of the economy. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - commits to the establishment of a taskforce to develop a clear approach, informed by the views of all stakeholders, including those in the audiovisual industry, to protect and sustain the arts and culture sector through the COVID-19 recovery and beyond. This will be fed into the National Economic Plan. I hope to announce details of the taskforce shortly.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the arts sector continues to attract support from philanthropists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17691/20]
View answerPrivate support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives. While my Department does not have a breakdown of the total flows of philanthropic funding to the sector, it is committed to encouraging a strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills. In this regard, I recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts for which my Department provides a small amount of continued assistance.
In addition, the Arts Council, which is funded by my Department, operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding. It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.
In terms of other capital investment requiring co-funding, a €10 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres is in progress, focussed on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country. The funding, which is being made available as part of the Capital Investment Framework 2016-2021, is dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and therefore provides an opportunity for philanthropic support.
In addition, Project Ireland 2040 provides for investment of €460m in a significant number of capital projects in our National Cultural Institutions over the next 10 years and states that individual cultural institutions will be raising their own contributions (typically around 10%-15% of project costs) through philanthropic effort.
129. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will extend the new emergency measures introduced into law to protect tenants during the Covid-19 emergency period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17467/20]
View answerWith effect from 27 March 2020, under new emergency measures introduced into law to protect tenants during the COVID-19 emergency period, tenants cannot be forced to leave their rental accommodation, other than in exceptional circumstances. The measures also prohibit any increase to rent for the duration of the emergency period. These emergency laws initially applied for a period of 3 months from the enactment of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and were subsequently extended to 20 July by the previous Government.
On my request, after consultation with the Minister for Health, and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the Government has made an Order extending the emergency period until 1 August.
Subject to Cabinet approval, I aim to introduce residential tenancy legislation in the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess to further protect tenants who have been economically impacted by the pandemic.
130. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason for the delays in amending the planning regulations on solar panel installations on schools and community buildings in view of the fact that the Climate Action Plan 2019 committed to relax the strict requirement for planning permission by the end of quarter 4 of 2019. [17490/20]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.
With regard to exemptions for solar panels, Class 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for the installation or erection of a solar panel on, or within the curtilage of a house or any buildings within the curtilage of a house, subject to certain siting and size conditions.
Class 56 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for the installation or erection on a business premises or industrial/light industrial building, or any ancillary buildings within the curtilage of such premises or building, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo-voltaic), subject to certain siting and size conditions.
Furthermore, Class 18 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Regulations provides an exemption for the installation or erection on an agricultural structure, or within the curtilage of an agricultural holding, of solar panels (thermal collector or photo-voltaic), again subject to a number of conditions.
As part of the Climate Action Plan 2019, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the solar panel exemptions, and is actively engaging with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment as well as other key stakeholders. This review is now largely complete. One of the key considerations of the review is to ensure that solar panels can be erected - subject to certain siting and size conditions - without the need to obtain planning permission, to facilitate the generation of energy for self-consumption. Included in this review is the potential for extending the solar panel exemptions to educational and community buildings.
The main outstanding issue that remains to be addressed in the current review is the potential for "glint and glare" impacts for aircraft and the need to ensure that they do not result in any real or potential threat to aviation safety. Accordingly, my Department is presently engaging with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment as well as the Irish Aviation Authority, in order to find a safe and workable solution in relation to this particular aspect of the review. It is intended that work on this outstanding issue will be completed in the coming months.
As required under planning legislation, any such proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made.
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider making change of use or class of use to childcare facilities exempt from planning permission even on a limited or temporary basis to facilitate the early years sector during this challenging post-Covid-19 landscape. [17493/20]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations) set out in more detail the various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission.
Furthermore, Article 10 of the Regulations provides that certain changes of use, with regard to particular classes of use, are also exempted from the requirement to obtain permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.
Article 10(5) of the Regulations provides that:
‘Development consisting of the use of a house for child minding shall be exempted development for the purposes of the Act.’
However, it is important to note that, for the purposes of Article 10(5), the Regulations provide that “child minding” means the activity of minding no more than 6 children, including the children, if any, of the person minding, in the house of that person, for profit or gain.
There are no other exemptions provided in relation to childcare facilities.
Exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of specific forms of development are provided for when they are considered to be consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.
With regard to whether a particular development requires planning permission, an individual can apply to his/her local planning authority for a determination under section 5 of the Act as to whether any particular case is or is not development, or is or is not exempted development, within the meaning of the Act.
The granting of planning permission or a declaration that development is exempted development does not solely authorise development, including "change of use" of premises, to proceed where other consents are required. The operation of a childcare facility may be subject to multiple requirements of which planning is just one. I have no plans to introduce new exempted development planning regulations allowing for the "change of use" of a premises to a childcare facility.
It should be noted that my Department issued guidance to the planning authorities under section 28 of the 2000 Act in relation to emergency measures taken by the Government in relation to the current situation brought about by the Covid-19 virus. The guidance includes recommendations made in relation to planning enforcement in accordance with Government policy. This guidance addresses the operation of childcare facilities. A copy of the Guidance is available on my Departments website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/section_28_guidelines_-_enforcement_during_covid_19_emergency_30_mar_2020.pdf
Furthermore, Planning Circular PL 03/2016 requested planning authorities with effect from September 2016 to expedite:
- all pre-planning application consultation requests from childcare facility providers in relation to proposals to extend opening hours, to increase capacity or to provide new facilities, and
- consideration, insofar as is possible, of all planning applications or Section 5 declaration submissions in respect of childcare facilities in order to facilitate the expansion of required capacity as appropriate.
132. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the current wastewater treatment upgrade projects as required to be in compliance with the urban wastewater treatment directive; the amount of capital funding provided for each project in each of the years 2014 to 2024; and the completion date for each project in tabular form. [17528/20]
View answerThe projects currently planned or underway by Irish Water to ensure compliance with the Directive referred to by the Deputy are Shannon Town, Cobh, Mallow, Ringsend, Fermoy, Enfield, Middleton, Cork City, Roscommon Town, Arklow, Athlone and Enniscorthy.
As Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels further detail in relation to the breakdown of Irish Water's capital investment should be sought from Irish Water.
It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at Oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
133. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the forthcoming river basin management plan; and if he will consult the relevant Oireachtas committee and stakeholders in advance of the publication of the draft plan due for completion in 2021. [17529/20]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing the third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for Ireland to cover the period 2021-2027. Building on work during the second cycle, this plan will describe the main pressures and activities affecting water status, set out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027 and identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives.
My Department is engaging in public consultation at three critical phases in the river basin management process. These are:
1. Outlining the draft timetable and consultation arrangements for development of second cycle RBMP,
2. Identification of the significant water management issues for the third round of planning, and
3. Publication of draft river basin management plans.
In relation to the first phase, my Department launched a six-month consultation on the draft timetable and work programme for the third cycle in December 2018. In response to this consultation my Department received 28 submissions from a mix of individuals, community groups, local authorities, companies and other key stakeholders.
A public consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) for Ireland, which is currently underway, is the second phase of engagement in the development of the final plan. The purpose of this consultation phase is to gather stakeholder’s views and reach agreement on what are considered to be the significant water management issues and how they should be addressed in the planning process for the next plan. Further details of this consultation is available on my Department’s website at https://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-quality/water-framework-directive/public-consultation-significant-water-management.
To obtain the views of stakeholders and to discuss whether appropriate issues had been identified for inclusion in the consultation document, initial input was also sought from various stakeholders. This took place through bi-lateral engagements, such as meetings with the Environmental Protection Agency, An Foram Uisce (The National Water Forum), the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), as well as a wider stakeholder event held on 19 November 2019 in Dublin Castle for approximately 80 stakeholders. These engagements allowed my Department to finalise the public consultation document that outlined 4 societal factors and 8 environmental pressures for consideration.
Launched on 20 December 2019, the consultation document also sets out the background to the Water Framework Directive and the development of RBMPs, the current status of our surface, ground and estuarine waters and the pressures thereon and what we understand to be the significant water management issues facing Ireland in the next RBMP cycle. People are invited to provide their views on the issues identified, suggest actions to address these issues and identify any other issues that could be addressed in the next plan.
In addition to the normal notification on the website, the Department undertook to raise awareness of the consultation process by sending notifications to various stakeholders, through the placement of newspaper advertisements and with the issuing of regular tweets.
With consultation periods required to run for a minimum of 6 months under the Water Framework Directive, this consultation was due to close on Friday, 26 June. However, due to Covid-19 and the restrictions people faced during the public consultation period, there has been an extension to the public consultation on the Significant Water Management Issues for Ireland. The extended consultation will now run until 5pm on Friday, 7 August 2020.
Following the completion of the consultation, the responses will be gathered and analysed by officials with a view to using the information to influence the shape of the draft RBMP. The responses received will also be considered by WPAC - the Water Policy Advisory Committee (established under S.I. 350 of 2014 to advise the Minister on development of RBMPs and implementation of the Water Framework Directive).
This SWMI public consultation process will actively inform the development of a programme of measures under the third RBMP, a draft of which will be published in December 2020. A further 6 month public consultation process on the draft RBMP will occur in the first half of 2021, with the finalised RBMP planned to be published by the end of 2021.
The extent, depth and complexities of discussions on measures for inclusion in the third RBMP are significant. With this in mind a small team of representatives from my Department, the EPA and local authorities (drawn from LAWPRO), who represent the three lead authorities responsible for the preparation and implementation of the RBMP, has been assembled. This Programme of Measures Development Team will also engage in bilateral discussions throughout the preparation of the 3rd plan with key stakeholders. Theses Stakeholders have been identified are those that will be expected to take some form of action or implement some type of measure to address the issues relevant to their organisation.
My Department will also be happy to engage with the relevant Oireachtas Committee on the plan once established.
134. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the offshore wind farm planning legislation. [17530/20]
View answerMy Department is currently working in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who are leading the development of the provisions specific to Offshore Renewable Energy, to further develop the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill.
The finalised General Scheme for the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill was published by my Department in January 2020. This Bill will provide the legislative basis for Ireland's new marine planning regime. The commitment in the Programme for Government to enact this legislation in nine months reflects the priority it has been accorded.
Further policy work is continuing on the development of certain aspects of the proposed regime and engagement is also continuing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, other Departments and agencies on the drafting of the legal text.
135. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the marine protection plan. [17531/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - contains a commitment to realise Ireland's outstanding target of 10% marine protected areas (MPAs) as soon as practical and to aim for 30% MPAs by 2030. This commitment will advance the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017 - 2021) while supporting the principles and ambition of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
As a first step, the independent MPA Advisory Group, established in December 2019 by my Department, is working on its report and recommendations on how to achieve this goal. The group has been meeting on a monthly basis, including remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it has been progressing its research and deliberations in a focused manner.
I expect the Final Report of the MPA Advisory Group to be submitted to my Department in October 2020. Following receipt of this report the Government will consider the next steps in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government.
136. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that small non-profit sports clubs that are licensed to sell alcohol are having in securing an exemption from local authority rates. [17547/20]
View answerThe levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes.
On 2 May 2020, a waiver of commercial rates was announced to all businesses that have been forced to close due to public health requirements, from 27 March 2020, for a three-month period. The costs involved are to be met by the Exchequer and the administration by local authorities of this measure will be by way of a credit in lieu of rates.
Land that is developed for sport, such as playing pitches, is exempt from rates under the Valuation Act 2001. There is also provision for the exemption of community halls which are not licensed to sell alcohol and where the facilities are not used for profit. However, the Act provides that where an organisation or club is registered under the Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904, and is licensed to sell alcohol, all the club buildings, wherever located, are rateable in their entirety. Such premises closed and ceased trading in line with the health restrictions set out in the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 121 of 2020).
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, commits to reviewing the treatment of commercial rates for the remainder of the year, as a priority action. This process is underway in my Department in the context of the forthcoming July stimulus. The previously announced waiver forms part of this consideration, with a view to a single communication with local authorities and ratepayers in the near future. At that point, guidance on the scope and application of the waiver will be provided.
137. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the definitions his Department uses to describe an affordable rent in the context of cost-rental schemes; if he will describe a significant discount on market rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17574/20]
View answer142. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress of the cost-rental project at Enniskerry Road; the projected rental cost of each on-site unit; and the position on the roll-out of further cost rental projects nationally. [17693/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 142 together.
Cost Rental rents cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only. Therefore the rents for Cost Rental units will be directly linked to the overall cost of each development, and will vary according to the site and design specifics. Value engineering with long-term maintenance in mind can put downward pressure on costs and help to make Cost Rental more affordable for tenants. If construction is to be funded by borrowing, it is crucial that Cost Rental providers obtain low-cost, stable finance that is repaid over a long period of time. Developments may also be supported by subsidies such as sites from the public land bank and infrastructure grants from my Department’s Serviced Site Fund.
The first Cost Rental pilot development at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is being undertaken by the Tuath and Respond Approved Housing Bodies, with the assistance of DLR County Council. The mixed-tenure development comprises 50 Cost Rental homes alongside 105 social housing homes. The Cost Rental homes at this site are supported by zero-cost land supplied by the Housing Agency, an infrastructure grant from my Department's Serviced Site Fund, and debt financing from the Housing Finance Agency. Construction began on the site in July 2019 with delivery scheduled for Q3 2021.
A second pilot project, sponsored by my Department is under development for a site at Emmet Road, Inchicore (the former St Michael’s Estate). The project is being led by Dublin City Council. The proposal is for DCC to construct 375 Cost Rental units alongside 109 social housing units. A Development Framework Plan has been completed and DCC has recently appointed an architect-led integrated design team to progress the project through the planning and construction phases.
Another proposed Cost Rental development is at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where DLR County Council is working in partnership with the Land Development Agency to develop the Council-owned site. On Monday, 13th July, planning permission was confirmed for a mixed-tenure development of 597 homes, which it is intended will comprise 306 Cost Rental homes, 200 social homes, and 91 homes for sale under the Affordable Purchase scheme.
In parallel with the pilot projects policy formulation for Cost Rental is underway, supported an inter-departmental/agency Cost Rental Working Group. The Group is evaluating potential funding models, including the use of public land and appropriate Exchequer inputs and is also considering operational matters such as tenant eligibility. I expect to receive a focused initial report from the Group in the coming weeks.
This work will be further assisted by a recently initiated research consultancy sponsored by the European Investment Bank on behalf of my Department. The EIB has extensive experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing across Europe. This Report is scheduled for completion in December.
138. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to reduce the deposit of 10% for applicants to the Rebuilding Ireland home loan for the purpose of purchasing a property under the incremental purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17597/20]
View answerThe Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans) Regulations (S.I. No 25 of 2018) provide that the loan provided cannot exceed 90% of the market value of the property. The credit assessment is the same for all Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan applicants, whether they are purchasing a home on the private market or a home under the incremental purchase scheme.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure consistency of treatment for all applicants.
I do not have plans to increase the maximum 90% loan to market value condition.
139. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of sites in the remit of the Land Development Agency (details supplied); the partners involved in the projects; the numbers of expected units; the breakdown of the types of units; the stage of the process and targeted completion dates; and the discussions that have taken place to provide shared facilities such as kitchens under the 2018 shared accommodation standards on these sites. [17671/20]
View answerCurrently the LDA has access to an initial tranche of 9 sites across the country that have near term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes. Details of the current status of these sites are set out in the table below.
Update on LDA sites
|
Location |
Size |
Projected number of units |
Status |
Partners |
|
Shanganagh, Dublin |
17.8 acres |
597 units, of which 200 social, 91 cost purchase, 306 cost rental |
Part10 application submitted to An Bord Pleanala and granted. Constructionanticipated to start in first half of 2021. Anticipated completion of firsthomes by 2022. |
Site being developed in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. |
|
Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum |
28 acres |
1,200 units (estimated) |
Pre-planningDesign team appointed.LDA expects to lodge a planning application in mid-2021 and begin construction in early 2022 |
|
|
Devoy Barracks, Naas |
10.08 acres |
203 units (estimated) |
Pre-planning. Draft masterplan prepared |
|
|
St Kevin’s Hospital, Cork |
14.5 acres |
274 units (estimated) |
Pre-planning. Masterplan prepared. SHDpre-application consultation request submitted to ABP end-May. |
|
|
Meath Hospital, Dublin 8 |
0.75 acres |
100 units (estimated) |
Pre-planning.Design team to be appointed |
|
|
Hackettstown, Skerries |
16.8 acres |
344 units(estimated) |
Design team appointed and SHDpre-application process ongoing. |
|
|
Castlelands, Balbriggan |
60 acres |
800 units (estimated) |
Pre planning.Masterplan prepared, advancing planning stage design. |
|
|
Columb Barracks, Mullingar |
24.7 acres |
200 (estimated) |
Pre-planning.Feasibility stage,advancing development framework. |
|
|
Dyke Road, Galway |
4.5 acres |
To be determined |
Pre-planningAppraisal stage |
The LDA is also working in partnership with other local authorities around the country. It is running a design review of the Sandy Road Regeneration Project in Galway which has the potential for up to 1,000 homes. It is also working with Limerick City and County Council on a site near Colbert Station in Limerick, funding a masterplan of the site which consists of lands owned by the Council, CIE, the Department of Education and the HSE.
Based on information provided by the LDA, there are currently no plans to include a co-living project on any sites currently under development.
As with all State bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, arrangements have been put in place by the LDA through which Oireachtas members can request information directly from the Agency in relation to operational matters - in this regard, the LDA may be contacted directly at oireachtas@lda.ie.
